The Degree of Disease Knowledge in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Multi-center Prospective Study in Korea

Improving management in gastroesophageal reflux disease through leveraging WeChat platform for mobile health care: A randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to a clinical condition characterized by gastric content reflux into the esophagus, causing symptoms like acid regurgitation and heartburn. While patient education is essential for GERD treatment, traditional educational models often struggle to effectively improve treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Between January 2021 and April 2022, we enrolled 257 patients and assessed their GERD knowledge. The patients were randomly assigned to either the WeChat group (60 participants) for health education via WeChat platform or the control group (60 participants) for conventional education only. GERD-Q scores were collected at 1, 3, and 6 months post-intervention, with compliance and satisfaction assessed at the study's conclusion.

RESULTS

The overall awareness rate of GERD among patients was approximately 22.3 %. The WeChat group showed better compliance than the control group in terms of adhering to a proper diet, taking medication on time, and engaging in moderate exercise (P < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, the WeChat group demonstrated significantly higher treatment effectiveness and satisfaction than the control group (P < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

Patients have a relatively low level of knowledge regarding GERD. WeChat has the potential to facilitate lifestyle changes and improve compliance, treatment effectiveness, and treatment satisfaction among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

A Systematic Assessment of the Quality of Smartphone Applications for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background and Aims

Smartphone applications aimed at patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been downloaded more than 100,000 times, yet no systematic assessment of their quality has been completed. This study aimed to objectively assess the quality of GERD smartphone applications for patient education and disease management.

Methods

The Apple App Store and Google Play Store were systematically searched for relevant applications. Two independent reviewers performed the application screening and eligibility assessment. Included applications were graded using the validated Mobile Application Rating Scale, which encompasses 4 domains (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information) as well as an overall application quality score. The associations between overall application quality, user ratings and download numbers were evaluated.

Results

Of the 4816 unique applications identified, 46 met inclusion criteria (patient education = 37, disease management = 9). Mean overall application quality score was 3.02 ± 0.40 out of 5 ("acceptable"), with 61% (28/46) rated as "poor" (score 2.0-2.9). Applications scored highest for aesthetics (3.24 ± 0.48) and functionality (3.88 ± 0.37) and lowest for information (2.58 ± 0.64) and engagement (2.39 ± 0.65). Disease management applications were of significantly higher quality than education-focused applications (3.59 ± 0.38 vs 2.88 ± 0.26, P < .001). There was no correlation between graded quality and either user ratings or the number of downloads.

Conclusion

While numerous smartphone applications exist to support patients with GERD, their quality is variable. Patient education applications are of particularly low quality. Our findings can help to inform the selection of applications by patients and guide clinicians' recommendations. This study also highlights the need for higher-quality, evidence-informed applications aimed at GERD patient education.

Assessing the Degree of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Knowledge Among the Riyadh Population

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disease mainly characterized by heartburn and acid regurgitation. To our knowledge, there have been a limited number of studies in Saudi Arabia looking at the knowledge level among the general population regarding this disease and its associated factors. Therefore, this study aims to identify the knowledge level of the disease and its associated factors, assess the prevalence of GERD among the Riyadh general population, and assess the need for educational programs for GERD. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general public in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The degree of GERD knowledge was assessed by translating and editing Jorgen Urnes' 24-item questionnaire into Arabic. In addition, six questions related to the symptoms and complications of GERD were added. Convenience sampling was done by using a Google form to distribute the questionnaire. The questionnaire assesses GERD knowledge by asking about the signs, symptoms, risk factors, predisposing factors, and management of GERD. Statistical analysis was performed using R v. 3.6.3 (https://cran.r-project.org/bin/windows/base/old/3.6.3/). Counts and percentages were used to summarize the distribution of categorical variables. Results The questionnaire was completed by 664 respondents (48.2% males and 51.8% females). The average age of the included respondents was 34.1 ± 12.8 years and Saudis represented 97% of the included respondents. The majority of the respondents had heard of GERD (83%). The average number of correct answers was 12.7 ± 6.1. In total, 40 respondents did not answer any questions correctly. Approximately one-third of respondents answered >50% of the questions correctly (n = 250, 37.6%). Approximately half of the respondents identified all risk factors for GERD. Other common risk factors identified included caffeine (23.6%), fast food (26.8%), and smoking (17.6%). Slightly more than a quarter of the respondents reported being diagnosed with GERD (28.8%). Knowledge was significantly higher among respondents who had received a diagnosis of GERD. A statistically significant positive association was observed between age and knowledge (r = 0.19, p < 0.001). Conclusion The study shows a relatively good knowledge level compared to previously reported figures in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Educational programs for GERD should be increased in Saudi Arabia and more health conferences and teaching school students of the disease should be highlighted to increase the general knowledge of this disease in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: An Italian cross-sectional survey focusing on knowledge and attitudes towards lifestyle and nutrition

INTRODUCTION

The gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a public health issue for its prevalence and association with low life quality and substantial costs. Since most of Italian data refer to over a decade ago, the aim was to provide an updated estimate of GERD symptoms prevalence. Knowledge about appropriate nutrition and behaviours in presence of GERD was assessed. Predictors for symptoms presence and knowledge were explored.

METHODS

This study was an online cross-sectional survey that investigated socio-demographics, knowledge about nutrition/behaviours in case of GERD (Knowledge Score KS: percentage of right answers), nutrition/lifestyle attitudes. The questionnaire included the GerdQ to assess symptoms (presence if score ≥8). Adults resident in Italy were enrolled between June and August 2019 through convenience sampling on the major social networks (sample size = 559). Descriptive analyses were run. Multivariable regressions were performed to explore predictors of symptoms presence and KS.

RESULTS

The 27.7% had GERD symptoms. Among them, 33.8% never received GERD information by their general practitioner (GP). Body mass index (P = .036), secondary education (P = .040) were associated with higher symptoms risk. Weekly exercise was associated with lower risk (P < .001). Median KS was 92% (IQR = 12). Sleeping on the left side, chocolate, citrus fruit, mint reported the lowest right answers percentages. None/basic education was negatively associated with KS (P < .001), being female (P = .004) and in a relationship (P = .012) positively.

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence was reported, consistently with the worldwide increasing trend. Despite overall knowledge was high, specific gaps were found. GPs should improve communication and awareness campaigns targeted to less known aspects must be planned.